Did You Know.....

[Homicidalheathen]

......cut off its head??? I did not know that. But, I still love snakes and lizards.

Topic Overview

Poisonous snake or lizard bite

A bite from a poisonous snake or lizard requires emergency care. If you have been bitten by a snake or lizard that you know or suspect might be poisonous, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop.

If you are not sure what type of snake or lizard bit you, call the poison control center immediately to help identify the snake or lizard and determine the next steps to take. Medication to counteract the effects of the poison (antivenin) can save a limb or your life.

It is important to stay calm and lie still as much as possible after a suspected poisonous snake or lizard bite. Vigorous physical activity may increase the flow of venom to the bloodstream.

Poisonous snakes or lizards found in North America include:

Pit vipers (family Crotalidae), such as the rattlesnake, copperhead, and water moccasin (also called cottonmouth).

Coral snake (family Elapidae).

Gila monster and Mexican beaded lizard.

Maine, Alaska, and Hawaii are the only states that do not have at least one poisonous snake species in the wild.

Poisonous snakebite

Symptoms of a pit viper snakebite often appear from 5 minutes to 2 hours after a bite. Severe burning pain at the site usually begins within minutes, and then swelling starts spreading out from the bite.

Factors that affect the severity of a poisonous snake or lizard bite include the:

Type and size of the snake or lizard.

Amount of venom injected (if any).

Potency of the venom injected.

Location and depth of the bite.

Number of bites and where they occurred on the body.

Age, size, and health of the person who was bitten.

If you do not develop symptoms within 8 to 12 hours, it is possible that no venom was injected; this is called a dry bite. At least 25%, perhaps up to 50%, of bites are dry. When poison is injected, about 35% of bites are mild envenomations, 25% are moderate, and 10% to 15% are severe.

It is important to remember that a snake only injects part of its venom with each bite, so it is still dangerous after the first strike. A young (immature) snake is more likely than an older snake to inject all of its venom with its first strike. For this reason, a bite from a young snake can be serious. A dead snake can have a bite reflex up to an hour after death, so it must be considered dangerous as well. Even if you do not develop symptoms within 8 hours, continue to watch for symptoms for up to 24 hours.

Nonpoisonous snake or lizard bite

Most snakes and lizards in North America are nonpoisonous. Bites may be frightening, but most do not cause serious health problems. A bite from a small nonpoisonous snake might leave teeth marks (not fang marks), a minor scrape, or a puncture wound without other symptoms. Home treatment often relieves symptoms and helps prevent infection.

Although most nonpoisonous snakebites can be treated at home, a bite from a large nonpoisonous snake (such as a boa constrictor, python, or anaconda) can be more serious. In North America, these snakes are often found in zoos, but they are also be kept as exotic pets. The force of the bite can injure the skin, muscles, joints, or bones. Other problems can occur with a nonpoisonous snake or lizard bite even if the reptile is small. A snake or lizard's tooth may break off in a wound or a skin infection may develop at the site of the bite.

Review the Emergencies and Check Your Symptoms sections to determine if and when you need to see a health professional.

Emergencies

Do you have any of the following symptoms that require emergency treatment? Call 911 or other emergency services immediately.

Bite from a known or suspected poisonous snake or lizard occurs.

Unconsciousness (or feeling like you are going to pass out) occurs.

Signs or symptoms of a poisonous pit viper snakebite develop, such as:

Fang marks (single, double, or multiple punctures).

Severe immediate pain with rapid swelling.

Discoloration of the skin.

Numbness or tingling at or near the bite site or around the mouth, tongue, scalp, or feet.

Signs or symptoms of a poisonous coral snakebite develop, such as:

A feeling of weakness or numbness in the area of the bite.

Increased salivation, drooling, or slurred speech.

Drowsiness or euphoria.

Confusion.

Nausea and vomiting.

Double vision.

Sweating.

Headache.

Abdominal pain.

Rapid swelling of the throat or tongue develops.

Moderate to severe difficulty breathing occurs:

In children.

In adults and older children.

Signs of shock occur:

In children.

In adults and older children.

Note: Take the following immediate first aid steps after a suspected poisonous snake or lizard bite:

Remain calm.

Lie still.

Use a splint to limit movement.

Keep the bitten extremity at the level of the heart.

Check Your Symptoms

If you answer yes to any of the following questions, click on the "Yes" in front of the question for information about how soon to see a health professional.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Note: If you are not sure what type of snake or lizard bit you, call the poison control center immediately to help identify the snake or lizard and determine the next steps to take. Medication to counteract the effects of the poison (antivenin) can save a limb or your life.

If you have the following symptom, evaluate that symptom first.

Bleeding from a nonpoisonous snake or lizard bite: Go to one of the following topics:

Cuts

Puncture Wounds

YesHave you been bitten by a large nonpoisonous snake, such as a boa constrictor, python, or anaconda?

See significance of a bite from a large nonpoisonous snake if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes Do you have tingling, burning, numbness, or a "pins and needles" feeling (paresthesia) below the bite injury?

Yes Is the skin below the bite is pale and cold to the touch (pallor)?

Yes Are you unable to move your limb normally (not because of pain) below the bite injury?

Yes Do you have severe pain below a bite that is not part of the injury?

Yes Did a lot of swelling develop within 30 minutes of the injury?

Yes Do you have nausea or vomiting?

Yes Do you have mild difficulty breathing?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes Were you bitten by a very large snake (such as a boa constrictor, python, or anaconda), but you do not have any symptoms of injury?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your Symptoms.

YesDo you have signs of skin infection at the site of a bite?

See significance of signs of skin infection if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional immediately if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes Do you have diabetes?

Yes Do you have a bite on a leg or foot and peripheral arterial disease?

Yes Do you have a disease that causes problems with your immune system?

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes Do you have increased pain, swelling, redness, or warmth around the bite?

Yes Is the area around your bite increasingly tender to the touch?

Yes Do you have red streaks extending from the bite?

Yes Do you have pus in or around the bite?

Yes Do you have a fever?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes Do you have mild pain and swelling with redness less than 1 in. (2.5 cm) around the bite?

Yes Do you have swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, or groin?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your Symptoms.

YesDo you know or suspect a snake's or lizard's tooth is still in the wound?

See significance of a tooth still in the wound if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes Do you know or suspect a tooth is still in the wound, and you are unable to remove it?

Yes Are you unable to remove a tooth from the wound?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your Symptoms.

YesDo you need a tetanus shot?

See significance of a tetanus shot if you need information to help you answer the question below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes Was your last tetanus shot longer than 5 years ago?

Yes Are you unsure of when you had your last tetanus shot?

Yes Did you not complete the primary vaccination series?

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your Symptoms.

YesHave your symptoms continued after home treatment or medical treatment?

See significance of home or medical treatment not relieving symptoms if you need information to help you answer the questions below.

Review health risks that may increase the seriousness of your symptoms.

Call your health professional today if you answer "Yes" to any of the following questions.

Yes Have your symptoms gotten worse since seeing your health professional?

Yes Have you seen your health professional, but the prescribed medical treatment has not relieved your symptoms in 2 days or in the time frame given by your health professional?

You may wait to see if the symptoms improve over the next 24 hours (or specified time period) if you answer "Yes" to the following question.

Yes Have your symptoms continued after 3 to 4 days of home treatment? Symptoms may include:

The bite area does not seem to be healing as you expected.

General feeling of illness.

If you have answered "No" to the above questions, go back to Check Your Symptoms and continue to answer the questions to evaluate your Symptoms.

Other Symptoms to Watch For

Do you have the following symptom?

A bite that may need stitches: Go to one of the following topics:

Cuts

Puncture Wounds

If a visit to a health professional is not needed immediately, see the Home Treatment section for self-care information.

Home Treatment

Poisonous snake or lizard bite

If you were bitten by a snake or lizard that you know or suspect is poisonous, call 911 or other emergency services immediately. Do not wait for symptoms to develop. Symptoms may progress from mild to severe rapidly.

Medication (antivenin) to counteract the effects of the poison can save a limb or your life. Antivenin is given as soon as a health professional determines it is needed, usually within the first 4 hours after the snakebite. Antivenin may be effective up to 24 hours after a snakebite.

Immediate home treatment

Immediate home treatment should not delay transport for emergency evaluation.

Remain calm. Lie down and stay as quiet and still as possible after the bite. Any physical activity may increase the flow of venom to the bloodstream.

If you are not sure what type of snake or lizard bit you, call a poison control center immediately to help identify the snake or lizard and determine the next steps to take.

If signs of shock are present or the bitten person is not breathing, see the topic Dealing With Emergencies.

If an extraction device is used, it should be applied within 3 minutes of the bite. Leave it on for 30 minutes. Do not cut the skin over the bite before applying the suction.

Remove any jewelry on the bitten limb. The limb might swell, making it more difficult to remove the jewelry after swelling begins.

With a pen, mark the edge of the swelling around the bite every 15 minutes so the progression of swelling can be evaluated.

Apply a splint on an arm or leg that was bitten to limit motion and limit the flow of venom into the bloodstream. If possible, keep the bitten area at or slightly lower than the level of the heart.

Drink fluids (not alcohol) in frequent, small amounts unless vomiting is a problem. This will help prevent dehydration and reduce the risk of shock.

Constriction band

Apply a constrictive band only if medical care is more than 60 minutes away. A constriction band on the affected limb may reduce the spread of the poison.

Apply a 1 in. (2.5 cm) to 2 in. (5.1 cm) wide band or cloth about 2 in. (5.1 cm) to 4 in. (10.2 cm) above the bite. You can use a watchband or a belt.

Make sure you can place two fingers beneath the band, which means the band is only tight enough to slow, but not stop, blood flow in veins near the surface of the skin without cutting off circulation. Fingers and toes should maintain normal color and feeling.

Watch for signs that the band is too tight, including numbness, tingling, increased pain, or coolness in the toes, fingers, or limb below the band.

Loosen the band if swelling increases. The band may become tighter and act like a tourniquet.

If the person is many hours or days away from medical care, these measures can be used until further help can be obtained.

If you are not sure what type of snake or lizard bit you, kill it and bring it in for identification. However, do not do this if it will delay treatment or put someone at risk for additional bites. It is important to remember that a snake only injects part of its venom with each bite, so it is still a dangerous threat after the first strike. A dead snake, even one with a severed head, can bite and release venom by reflex action for up to an hour after it dies.

Avoid these treatment measures

Avoid doing anything that might cause more problems with the snake or lizard bite.

Do not cut the bite open.

Do not suck on the bite wound.

Do not apply a narrow band or snug tourniquet that cuts off circulation to a limb. It can do more harm than good.

Do not immerse a hand or foot in ice water or pack a limb in ice. This can increase damage to the skin and cause a cold-induced injury, such as frostbite.

Do not elevate the bitten arm or leg above the head. This may increase the flow of venom into the bloodstream.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages.

Do not give the following nonprescription medications after a poisonous snake or lizard bite. They may cause increased bleeding.

Aspirin

Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs):

Ibuprofen, such as Advil or Motrin

Naproxen, such as Aleve or Naprosyn

Ketoprofen, such as Actron or Orudis

Nonpoisonous snake or lizard bite

If you are certain the snake or lizard was not poisonous, use home treatment measures to reduce symptoms and prevent infection.

Use direct pressure to stop any bleeding. See how to stop bleeding.

Look at the wound to make sure a snake or lizard tooth is not in the wound. If a tooth is visible, remove it with tweezers, taking care to not push it farther into the wound.

Clean the wound as soon as possible to reduce the risk of infection, scarring, and tattooing of the skin from dirt left in the wound. Wash the wound for 5 minutes with large amounts of warm water and soap (mild dishwashing soap, such as Ivory, works well). See how to clean a wound.

Do not use rubbing alcohol, hydrogen peroxide, iodine, or mercurochrome, which can harm the tissue and slow wound healing.

Soak the wound in warm water for 20 minutes, 2 to 4 times a day, for the next 4 to 5 days. The warmth from the water will increase the blood flow to the area, which helps reduce the risk of infection.

Puncture wounds usually heal well and may not need a bandage. Consider bandaging the wound if you need to protect your wound from dirt or irritation.

Clean the wound thoroughly before bandaging it to reduce the risk of infection occurring under the bandage.

Apply a clean bandage when it gets wet or soiled to further help prevent infection. If a bandage is stuck to a scab, soak it in warm water to soften the scab and make the bandage easier to remove.

If available, use a nonstick dressing. There are many bandage products available.

Be sure to read the product label for correct use.

Use of an antibiotic ointment has not been shown to affect healing. If you choose to use an antibiotic ointment, such as polymyxin B sulfate (for example, Polysporin) or bacitracin, apply the ointment lightly to the wound. The ointment will keep the bandage from sticking to the wound. Be sure to read the product label about sensitivity to the skin. If a skin rash or itching under the bandage develops, stop using the ointment. The rash may indicate an allergic reaction to the ointment. Antibiotic ointments that contain neomycin may have an increased risk of causing an allergic reaction.

Determine whether you need a tetanus shot.

An ice or cold pack may help reduce swelling and bruising. Never apply ice directly to a wound or the skin. This could cause tissue damage.

Try a nonprescription medication to help relieve pain.

Acetaminophen, such as Tylenol or Panadol can be given after a nonpoisonous or poisonous snake or lizard bite.

Be sure to follow these nonprescription medication precautions.

Carefully read and follow all label directions on the medication bottle and box.

Use, but do not exceed, the maximum recommended doses.

Do not take a medication if you have had an allergic reaction to it in the past.

If you have been told to avoid a medication, call your health professional before taking it.

If you are or could be pregnant, call your health professional before using any medication.

Do not give aspirin to anyone younger than age 20 unless directed to do so by your health professional.

For more information on cuts, scrapes, or puncture wounds, see the topic Cuts, Scrapes, or Puncture Wounds in the Related Information section of this topic.

Symptoms to Watch For During Home Treatment

Use the Check Your Symptoms section to evaluate your symptoms if any of the following occur during home treatment:

Signs and symptoms of a pit viper snakebite develop.

Signs and symptoms of a coral snake bite develop.

Signs of a skin infection develop.

A wound does not heal.

Symptoms become more severe or more frequent.

Prevention

Snakebites are more likely to occur in warm weather months when both snakes and people are more active outdoors. Most snakebites occur on the legs or feet when a snake is accidentally disturbed, as can happen when people are hiking or camping. The arms and hands are also common bite sites; these bites usually occur when a person is trying to catch a snake or work with it.

Snakes and lizards are popular exotic pets, so the risk for being bitten has increased.

Many snake and lizard bites can be prevented.

Find out what local snakes and lizards are common to your area. Learn what they look like, whether they are poisonous, and where you are most likely to encounter them.

If you see a snake or lizard, do not disturb it. Keep in mind that the striking range of a snake is about half of its length.

Avoid picking up or handling snakes, even one with a severed head, can release venom through reflexes for up to an hour after it dies.

Watch for snakes around wood or rock piles or caves. Wear protective shoes, boots, and clothing when you are hiking, camping, fishing, and hunting.

Avoid drinking alcohol or using illegal drugs while participating in outdoor activities where you might encounter a snake. The effects of the alcohol may slow your judgment and reflexes.

If you have a pet snake or lizard or are considering one, learn how to handle the reptile safely to avoid being bitten and have first aid equipment available.

If you are frequently in an area where there are poisonous snakes, consider carrying an extraction device, an elastic rolled bandage, and splinting materials (such as a SAM splint). Carry a cellular phone, if you have one available, to use in the event of an emergency.

Preparing For Your Appointment

To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.

You can help your health professional diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:

Do you know what type of snake or lizard bit you? What did the snake or lizard look like? How big was the snake or lizard?

When did the bite occur?

Where were you bitten?

How many times were you bitten?

What are your main symptoms? How long have you had your symptoms?

What home treatment measures have you tried? Did they help? Be sure to include nonprescription medications you have taken or used. Did they help?

Have you been treated for a snakebite in the past? If yes, what type of treatment did you receive?

What prescription and nonprescription medication do you take?

When was your last tetanus shot?

Do you have any health risks?

[Para Bellum]

Yeah, reptiles seem to have that bite reflex even when the head is severed. When I was a kid, I was helping a friend butcher a turtle for soup. It was a snapping turtle, and an hour later it would still bite the blade of my knife if I prodded it just right.

Creepy.

[Tryp]

Interesting.